Curvature of the penis

Definition

Curvature of the penis is an abnormal bend in the penis that occurs during erection. It is also called Peyronie's disease.

Alternative Names

Peyronie's disease

Causes

In Peyronie's disease, fibrous scar tissue develops under the skin of the penis. The cause of this fibrous tissue is not known.

Fracture of the penis (injury during intercourse) can lead to this condition. Patients have a higher risk after surgery or radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

Peyronie's disease is uncommon and affects men ages 40 - 60 and older.

Curvature of the penis can occur with Dupuytren's contracture, a cord-like thickening across the palm of one or both hands. It is a fairly common disorder in white men over age 50. However, only a very small number of people with Dupuytren's contracture develop curvature of the penis.

Other risk factors have not been found. However, people with this condition have a certain type of immune cell marker, which indicates that it may be inherited.

Newborns may have a curvature of the penis, which may be part of an abnormality called hypospadias (this is different from Peyronie's disease).

Symptoms

You or your health care provider may notice an abnormal hardening of the tissue below the skin, in one area along the shaft of the penis.

During erection, there may be:

A bend in the penis, which usually begins at the area where you feel the scar tissue or hardening

Narrowing of the penis

Pain

Problems with penetration or pain during intercourse

Shortening of the penis

Exams and Tests

The health care provider can diagnose curvature of the penis with a physical examination. The hard plaques can be felt with or without an erection.

The health care provider may give you a shot of medicine to cause an erection. Or, you may provide your health care provider with pictures of the erect penis for evaluation.

An ultrasound may show the scar tissue in the penis, but it is not necessary.

Treatment

At first, you may not need treatment. Some or all of the symptoms may improve over time or may not get worse.

However, these treatments often do not help much, or at all. They may cause more scarring.

If medicine and lithotripsy do not help, and you are unable to have intercourse because of the curve of the penis, surgery may be done to correct the problem. However, some types of surgery may cause impotence. It should only be done if intercourse is impossible.

A penile prosthesis may be the best treatment choice for curvature of the penis with impotence.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The condition can get worse and make it impossible for you to have intercourse. Impotence can also occur.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if:

You have symptoms of curvature of the penis

Erections are painful

You have a sharp pain in the penis during intercourse, followed by swelling and bruising of the penis